MPD Works to Curb Crime by Providing Teens Job Skills

MPD Works to Curb Crime by Providing Teens Job Skills

Memphis police officers are now working hand in hand with kids and young adults to put an end to violent crimes by getting them jobs.

MEMPHIS, TN (localmemphis.com) - Get teenagers a job, stop them from stealing, robbing and killing. Memphis police officers are now working hand in hand with kids and young adults to put an end to violent crimes.

Officers say it's a fact unemployed teens have time to get in trouble.

The obvious answer is get them jobs, but the problem there is some don't have the skills they need to get a job. MPD officers are fixing that.

"It's a job fitness fair not a job fair," says Lt. Robert Chalmers with the Memphis Police Department's Community Outreach Program, or COPs.

Teens and young adults from all over Memphis are learning what it takes to get a job.

"What we should look for in applications, mistakes we shouldn't make," says Tanichia Daniels. She's been looking for a job for months.

On Thursday, representatives from MATA, Walmart, TJ Maxx and more all explained what they look for in employees.

The Job Fit Fair also addressed how to overcome obstacles, like a past arrest. A hiring manager from Goodwill spoke to job seekers, telling them she looks at how long it's been since they committed a crime.

"The inspiration she gave me made me want to get up and try again no matter what," says Tracy Parker.

Memphis police officers organized the entire job fit fair. Lt. Chalmers says it's not just about stopping crime, but improving lives. "They think we are there just to lock them up," he says. "That's not what it's all about. It's to enhance community safety."

"When I was at home, and they were knocking on my door, I thought they were looking for me," laughs Parker. "I'm glad I came."

"Everybody thinks police, they're bad, but they are not," says Daniels. "I think I got an interview. I've been looking for a job. Something is better than nothing. It might be small, but something is better than nothing."

Officers plan to hold several more job "fit" fairs throughout the city, and eventually a job fair.